It’s not just the Dolomites. In Italy, trekking takes place all across the country, with some of the most evocative experiences to be found on its islands.

Combining different islands into a single itinerary

Ferryscanner, the online ferry booking platform that allows you to quickly compare routes and operators and purchase tickets, invites enthusiasts to embark on trekking routes on the Italian islands, for an active and sustainable holiday centred on island hopping. Thanks to its "Multiple Routes" feature, Ferryscanner allows you to combine different routes into a single itinerary and thus visit several islands during the same holiday.

Walking on an active volcano on Stromboli

The Italian islands amaze visitors with the sheer number and variety of unexpected trails that wind through active volcanoes, Mediterranean woodlands, cliffs overlooking the sea and ancient mule tracks.  In Sicily, in the Aeolian archipelago, Stromboli offers the chance to walk on the slopes of one of the world’s most active volcanoes and, at sunset, admire the fumaroles, lava flows and flashes of light that illuminate the sky. As well as numerous vantage points overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the most iconic trail is the Sentiero del Fuoco, which leads to the Sciara del Fuoco, a vast lava flow stretching from the crater down to the sea. 

On clear days you can see the African coastline 

In Sicily, Pantelleria is another island of volcanic origin that amazes with its nature trails. Known as the Black Pearl of the Mediterranean, the trails wind their way through lava flows, dammusi (traditional lava-stone dwellings) and vineyards, within the National Park. The treks continue towards Lake Venere and on to the Arco dell’Elefante and the Balata dei Turchi, on the coast. From Montagna Grande, the island’s highest point, on clear days you can even see the African coastline.

Capri also has scenic trails

Capri

Moving to a different archipelago, though still within the same region, the island of Marettimo offers a network of trails that winds its way through ancient mule tracks, sea caves and vantage points overlooking crystal-clear waters. Of all these, the best-known route is the Sentiero del Semaforo, along with the paths leading to the island’s caves. Capri, in Campania, also surprises with its scenic trails. From the Sentiero dei Fortini to Pizzolungo and on to the paths leading up to Monte Solaro, the island offers treks that combine history, nature and spectacular views of the Faraglioni.

Marettimo

Trails also in Tuscany and Sardinia

In Tuscany, the island of Elba is particularly renowned for the Grande Traversata Elbana. This is one of Italy’s most fascinating routes, with over 50 kilometres of trails crossing the island from east to west through woods and along panoramic ridges from which to enjoy a stunning view of Corsica. In Sardinia, the La Maddalena Archipelago offers trails that wind their way through turquoise waters and wind-sculpted rocks. Here, the most iconic treks are the Sentieri di Caprera, which criss-cross the island through Mediterranean scrub, hidden coves and panoramic sea views. Added to these is the trail to Cala Coticcio, one of the archipelago’s most picturesque beaches.

The first ultra-luxury hotel in Ponte di Legno, Lombardy, is on its way and set to be completed by 2030. 

A boost for the area's international appeal

The property, acquired by Brescia-based entrepreneur Alessandro Pietta, will be managed by AG Group and affiliated with one of the international brands with which the Italian group has already established partnerships in Italy. “This project is a significant step not only for Ponte di Legno, but also for AG Group’s development in the luxury segment," explains Andrea Girolami, AG Group's chairman and chief executive. The hotel is being developed with the aim of strengthening the destination’s international appeal through an offering that combines quality hospitality, wellness, integrated services and engagement with the local area. 

Plans include the creation of 70 rooms and 15 suites

The project, involving an investment of over €100 million, involves the redevelopment of a 5-star hotel, which by 2030 will be a high-end hotel complex, along with three additional residential buildings. Plans include the creation of 70 rooms and 15 suites, including a presidential suite, wellness facilities, three restaurants, a shopping street, integrated outdoor amenities and over 200 parking spaces.

Ponte di Legno is a historic crossroads in the Alps

Ponte di Legno, in Lombardy, is a destination that can be enjoyed all year round, strategically situated between the airports of Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Bergamo and Verona. Long regarded as one of the historic crossroads of the Alps, here visitors can follow the route of the Charlemagne Trail, which winds its way through the UNESCO sites of the Vavamonica and the Adamello-Brenta Geopark. The area is attracting increasing numbers of tourists from across Italy and markets such as Poland, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic and Germany. The Italian Observatory on Mountain Tourism also ranks the resort among the top ten national ski destinations, with over 100 kilometres of slopes and 46 ski lifts. 

Pitchup, the leading online booking platform for outdoor holidays is offering two chances to gaze at the August stars. 

Watching the stars from your bed

The platform recommends a selection of three Italian accommodation options for the peak of the Perseids in August, allowing you to enjoy stargazing far away from artificial lights. Forest Camp Val di Gresta, situated at an altitude of 1,000 metres in the woods of Trentino, offers a highly evocative accommodation experience in cozy and minimalist wooden micro-lodges. The StarsBOX has a roof that opens fully, allowing guests to admire the spectacle of the Perseids whilst lying comfortably in bed.

StarsBox

Swimming, biking and lakeside dining

In Val di Gresta, you can go for walks in the woods surrounding Ronzo-Chienis, trek towards Monte Stivo or go on mountain bike rides towards Passo Bordala. A short drive away, Lake Garda offers numerous options for enjoying the outdoors: as well as cooling off with a swim, you can go sailing, hire bikes and dine in lakeside restaurants. And above the lake Malcesine Castle boasts halls with medieval architecture and breathtaking panoramic views.

Winery tours, boat trips and a microflight

Villa Yucca

Villa Yucca is just outside the village of Torano Nuovo, in the province of Teramo in Abruzzo. This new glamping site set in vineyards between the peaks of the Apennines and the horizon of the Adriatic Sea has a wooden pod which is an intimate and rejuvenating accommodation option. The resort offers a range of experiences, including winery tours and tastings, horse riding for all levels, e-bike tours, boat trips and the chance to take part in a scenic microlight flight to admire Abruzzo from above. 

A replica Scala Santa with 28 steps

Civitella del Tronto is a charming medieval village with an imposing fortress, narrow cobbled alleys and stone houses, and is known for its history, traditional crafts and local cuisine. The Scala Santa in Campli is a major religious and cultural attraction. The staircase with 28 steps was built in 1772 and replicates the Scala Santa in Rome, which, according to tradition, was walked by Jesus Christ during his trial. For a relaxing and enjoyable break, still in Abruzzo, Tortoreto Lido is a seaside resort on the Adriatic coast with sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, summer events and leisure activities. 

The Marche's beaches and culinary traditions

San Benedetto del Tronto is another lively coastal resort in the Marche region, famous for its beaches, its well-equipped seafront promenade and rich culinary traditions. Nearby Ascoli Piceno is a town in the Marche famous for its cultural heritage and historic architecture, notably Piazza del Popolo which is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.

From 19 July to 25 October “Ornamenta. Treasures of elegance and identity in Ossola” will run in Domodossola in Piedmont.

An overview of the development of Ossola’s cultural identity

The exhibition is spread across three venues: the Gian Giacomo Galletti Civic Museums in Palazzo San Francesco, the Casa De Rodis, and the Vecchio Municipio Cultural Centre in Santa Maria Maggiore. It is structured around a theme exploring the evolution of Ossola’s aesthetic sensibilities in the 19th and 20th centuries and the promotion of the region’s tangible and intangible heritage.

Three venues with a single theme

The exhibition brings together paintings, jewellery, clothing, textiles, photographs, tools of the trade and historical documents, offering an overview of the development of Ossola’s cultural identity. At Palazzo San Francesco, the focus is on the Ossola goldsmithing tradition, featuring items typical of festive attire, such as jewellery, plaster models, preparatory sketches and tools of the trade. Casa De Rodis hosts the section with everyday clothing and farm work, covering daily chores and scenes of mountain life, with works by the leading figures of Vigezzina painting alongside historical photographs documenting the lives of local communities. The exhibition concludes at Santa Maria Maggiore with a section focusing on undergarments and accessories – elements that reveal the customs, social status and identity of Alpine communities.

Giuseppe Rossetti, Portrait of Antonia Rossetti (as a Child), 1832.

Domodossola is a crossroads of culture

Domodossola is the main town in the Ossola valley and has always been a crossroads of cultures, trade and connections between Italy and the Alps. Situated at the heart of the seven valleys of Ossola, it is the ideal base from which to explore the region and its natural and cultural treasures. The historic centre, dating back to medieval times, boasts historic palaces, squares lined with arcades and the charming Borgo della Cultura, home to important artistic and architectural treasures. Among the most iconic events is the historic Saturday market, a thousand-year-old tradition that brings the town centre to life.

Villages, valleys and nature trails

Alongside its cultural heritage, Domodossola offers a wide range of shopping, dining and local produce, confirming its status as a destination that successfully combines art, food and wine, and hospitality. The town also serves as an excellent base for visiting the villages and valleys of the Ossola region, from Val Vigezzo to Val Formazza, as well as the numerous nature trails in the Alpine area.

From 31 July to 2 August, Castelsaraceno, in Basilicata, is hosting "Tra Cielo e Terra" with the world's longest Tibetan bridge.

The bridge connects two parks

Th event will celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Ponte Tra i Due Parchi with the Italian debut of Les Passagers du Vide, a French collective that has transformed highlining into an art form. At 586 metres in length, the Bridge between the Two Parks is the world’s longest Tibetan bridge and connects the Pollino National Park with the Lucanian Apennines Val d’Agri National Park. For three days, it will be the centrepiece of a programme of sport, landscape and tourism. 

Performances and workshops

Alongside the highline, the programme includes performances in the village, workshops and introductory slackline sessions, talks on outdoor tourism, and a screening of the documentary "Des Équilibres" which chronicles the group’s recent exploits in the French Alps and the Moroccan desert.

Outdoor activities and great food

Basilicata is the ideal destination for a green holiday, and the world’s longest Tibetan Bridge is a must-see attraction. Halfway between the sea at Maratea and the picturesque town of Matera, it offers a unique vantage point over the wild and unspoiled Lucanian hinterland. Castelsaraceno and its surroundings offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, from trekking and climbing the Lucanian peaks, to mountain biking and Nordic walking. And then there are walks in the woods, canyoning and rafting along the rivers of the Pollino, unforgettable gastronomic experiences and adrenaline-fuelled activities on the Tibetan Bridge.

Italy’s leading outdoor tourism trade fair Il Salone del Camper – Caravans, Accessories, Routes and Destinations, will take place at Fiere di Parma from 12 to 20 September. 

Campervan holidays are a growing trend

Open to both professionals and the general public this is one of the world’s leading trade fairs dedicated to caravanning and outdoor tourism, and is the most important trade fair in the sector in Italy and the second largest in Europe, attracting over 107,000 visitors.  For attendees the event will be an opportunity to explore an alternative way of travelling, keep up to date with the latest trends and services, and compare the vehicles on display, as well as discovering the latest technologies. Campervan holidays are a growing trend, increasingly popular for the convenience they offer, the freedom they provide when travelling, and their environmental sustainability.

Authentic landscapes and freedom to explore

Road travel represents a practical alternative, and motorhomes and caravans allow for greater freedom and more flexible itineraries.  In the "Your Travel Style" survey conducted by the Salone del Camper, travelling by motorhome and caravan emerged as the dominant choice: 93 per cent of respondents opted for it. This preference is driven primarily by the search for authentic landscapes, cited by 75 per cent, and the freedom to explore, which was a decisive factor for 69 per cent.

74 million visitor nights in 2025

Road trips are on the rise, thanks in part to an increasingly well-developed network of services, with a growing number of waste disposal and refuelling points, electrical hook-ups, charging points, bicycle parking facilities and connections across the whole country. According to FAITA Federcamping, HBenchmark and CISET Ca’ Foscari, in 2025 Italian open-air travel reached 74 million visitor nights, with a total direct and indirect economic value of €8.5 billion. This form of travel is also more sustainable. The study “Motorhome Tourism: the Economic and Environmental Impact of Motorhome Travellers”, carried out by Ergo, a spin-off of the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, indicates that recreational vehicles have a lower environmental impact than traditional travel, with a 70% reduction in CO₂, a 64% reduction in fossil fuel consumption and a 73% reduction in water consumption. For information: www.salonedelcamper.it

The line-up and supporting events for the Transumare Fest, the electronic, pop and rock music festival taking place in Abruzzo, from 19 to 22 August.

Four days packed with events

From sunset until late at night, the four days of concerts on the Adriatic seafront in Teramo will reflect the theme "La Metamorfosi," weaving together music, the local area and the community. In addition to the previously announced performance by I Cani on 1 August at the Stadio Fonte dell’Olmo in Roseto degli Abruzzi, the line-up features Italian artists performing throughout the festival. They will include Giorgio Poi, MACE and Tutti Fenomeni, as well as international acts from Europe, Japan and the United States, with music that ranges from electronic music to rap, pop and jazz.

Also hiking, tastings and workshops

But the festival, known for its inclusive and sustainable approach, also offers a range of activities dedicated to exploring Abruzzo’s natural and cultural heritage, such as hiking, tastings and workshops, as well as an extension of the Transumare Fest: "Transumare nello Spazio" which takes the music beyond the festival dates. In fact from 19 to 22 August, the festival programme extends beyond the concert area to Roseto degli Abruzzi and the province of Teramo, featuring a varied programme of activities which, last year, attracted a total of 400 participants, with every event sold out.

From the beach to the hinterland

The activities, which are also open to beginners, range from guided mindfulness on the beach on Thursday 20 August, to Qi-Gong at dawn on the 21st, and yoga by the sea the following day. Inland, an easy trek to Rocca Calascio, in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, is on the programme. The fortress stands at an altitude of 1,460 metres and is one of the highest in Italy, with the village included on the list of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages. There will also be opportunities to enjoy food and wine, with a mini-course and tasting of extra virgin olive oil at Frantoio Montecchia, followed by a convivial, plant-based lunch in the olive grove. This will be followed by a guided tour and wine tasting at Cantina Savini, an event that will also conclude with a lunch accompanied by live music.

Painting workshops with swapped canvases

Every day of the festival, there will be painting workshops for couples who, after a set time, will swap canvases, continuing the painting started by their partner. "Source to Signal," on the other hand, is a guided listening session on sampled music. It is neither a DJ set nor a technical lesson: it starts with iconic tracks, traces back to the original sample, and ends with the final track. Info and bookings: bookings via Instagram Direct @transumare.fest. Full details at www.transumarefest.com and on the Instagram profile. WhatsApp: 378 403 8648. Facebook: Transumare Fest.